Fennel Seeds And Fennel Leaves Health Benefits

Plentiful in phytoestrogens, Fennel is a powerful herb against stomach upsets, colic, irritable bowel syndrome, and other stomach disorders. More importantly fennel seeds can also be used in normalizing the functionalities of the kidneys, spleen, liver, lungs, and aiding the digestive process. Fennel health benefits also reach out in promoting menstruation, controlling cardiac problems, treating bronchial asthma, curing heartburn, easing water retention, lowering hypertension, and soothing chest pain due to cough.

Health Benefits Of Fennel

Fennel seeds health benefits are also attributed to breast growth as some herbalists claim that it is a powerful herb and has the potential enlarge the growth of breasts; however these claims are yet to be verified by modern medical research. The health benefits of fennel are also seen as a mild appetite suppressant and effective form of remedy for respiratory congestion and cough. Fennel benefits can also be seen in cancer patients, especially after radiation or chemotherapy treatments to help soothe the digestive system.

Roasted fennel is a tried and tested remedy for relieving gas and stomach acid, and other painful stomach disorders related to digestion. The fennel oil is believed to be an excellent remedy for insect bites and as an external application even for snake bites.

The fennel herb has an antispasmodic effect on the smooth muscles in the body, including relaxing the uterus. One particular medical study revealed how anise or fennel simulated the effects of estrogen and thus has the ability of acting as a phytoestrogen in the body. More importantly, it can also be used to stimulate menstruation and help nursing mothers by enhancing milk production. There are active ingredients in fennel that is used in combinations with other herbal formulas to bring about a balanced hormonal system in women who are undergoing menopause or painful menstruation. Green fennel or tender green fennel leaves are sweet and can be consumed, since they are rich in phytonutrients.

The fennel essential oil has a reputation in being a decongestant as well appetite suppressant. It can safely be used by dieters in promoting weight-loss and reducing water retention due to its diuretic effect. Known to be one of the most powerful herbs fennel has a wide range of healing properties and can safely be consumed by people of all age groups. Fennel salad tossed with the addition of fennel leaves or green fennel with other salad ingredients is also a tasty alternative to consuming fennel seeds. The seeds of fennel however are extremely popular in the Indian subcontinent are usually chewed after a heavy meal to aid digestion and prevent the formation of gas.

When you look at them closely, you will realize that fennel seeds are not really seeds at all. In fact, these are fruits of the fennel plant. They are sweet in taste, unlike other seeds you may have tasted. However, mostly due to their appearance, they are categorized as seeds. Fennel seeds are a largely used as an herb, sold and bought in their dried forms. They have been used in traditional medicine for a lot of healing and relieving benefits. To benefit from their healing properties regularly, fennel seeds are also regularly added to food. Fennel seeds benefits are many, and perhaps that is why they are used extensively in both Mediterranean and Indian cuisines. Fennel seeds are sold in two varieties: the whole fruit and the dried part.

Fennel seeds can even be grown in your own garden, if you have temperate climate. There are several different varieties of the fennel plant. In different geographical locations, the cultivars are also different from each other. For instance, in some parts of the Mediterranean region, fennel produces a large bulb-like fruit with a thick stalk. This root vegetable can be cooked like any other root stalk. This, also known as Florence fennel, is largely used as a root vegetable. The health benefits of fennel bulb are largely antimicrobial. The root is used for the treatment of infection. On the other hand, you also have the sweet fennel plant. Most of the fennel benefits are associated with the dried fruits of the sweet fennel plant. The green fronds obtained from the sweet fennel plant are largely used as an herb.

Fennel seeds properties: The fennel plant smells a lot like anise or even licorice. The seeds are usually encased in bright green fronds, and there are small yellow colored flowers accompanying it. The seeds are allowed to dry off while they are still on the plant. Once the seeds have matured fully, they are shaken off, collected from the ground, cleaned, and then packaged. They may also be picked through from the plants themselves. These fennel seeds can be used directly in cooking or can also be used to plant new fennel plants. Fennel seeds are usually used in Italian seasoning for an anise-like flavor in the food. There are a number of sauce ingredients that can be used along with fennel. In Asian and Indian cooking too, fennel is used extensively.

The health benefits of fennel seeds.The use of fennel seeds is growing regularly in popularity. One of the major reasons for this is the fact that there are many medicinal and healing properties of fennel seeds. Fennel is largely known to be a natural appetite suppressant. Therefore, if you are conscious about your weight, chewing on fennel seeds can stop you from consuming excessive calories. Among the many fennel benefits is also the fact that it is a natural diuretic. It can help in aiding bloated stomach and can help relieve gas. If you have overeaten, chewing on fennel seeds can help you relieve the discomfort. Since fennel seeds are diuretics, they can be used to reduce the rate of water retention in the body.

The health benefits of fennel seeds do not stop here. In fact, fennel seeds are also known to be excellent antioxidants. The entire plant, right from the leaves, stalk, seeds and the bulb, are edible. The different parts of this plant can be used for different kinds of cooking. Since they have antioxidant properties,the health benefits of fennel seed tea and the health benefits of fennel bulb are many.There are otherbenefits of fennel seed tea as well.For people suffering from halitosis, fennel seed tea can help improve the breath odor. If you do not find fennel seeds, which is highly unlikely, you can also use the oil of fennel seeds, which is used in most chemical breath freshener preparations. In such a case, you can count on the benefits of fennel essential oil.

Also of importance is the weight reducing properties of fennel seeds. Fennel seeds during pregnancy can also be extremely beneficial.Since they are diuretics and can relieve bloating, fennel seeds can help pregnant women overcome bloating, water retention, and even halitosis. For pregnant women who experience excessive morning sickness and heartburn, chewing on fennel seeds or drinking fennel tea can cause wonders. For pregnant women,the health benefits of fennel teainclude relieving of muscle spasms, especially in the digestive tract, relief from gas pain and cramps, and finally, relief from indigestion and bloating. Apart from the fennel seeds digestionbenefits, pregnant women can also enjoy the benefits of fennel bulb. The extract of the fennel bulb and seeds can help in alleviating spasms, even in the uterus. This can be a great help for women who experience painful menstrual cramps and other symptoms of PMS.

Fennel seeds benefits for women extend to increasing production of milk, relieving symptoms of menopause, and treating a low libido.Both for menopausal or premenstrual women, fennel is often used for many different preparations. However, fennel seeds do not only benefit women. In fact, they also benefit men. For smokers, or those who suffer from bronchitis, fennel seeds can be used as a decongestant. If you use fennel oil, the benefits of fennel extract in this can cause your bronchial passages to relax. You can also easily loosen up any phlegm in your bronchial passages. This can help treat chronic cough as well as bronchitis.

Fennel seeds in cooking.Fennel is a popular cooking ingredient and is used as an herb in many Italian, Indian, and Asian preparations. The medicinal benefits of fennel, especially the benefits for the digestive system, are well known, and therefore fennel finds its way into the common man’s kitchen. A lot of people use fennel very extensively in their cooking, and therefore, may be growing their own fennel in their gardens. Fennel seeds recipes,however, can also contain a fennel seeds substitute like celery. If at all you find it difficult to find fennel for your culinary preparation, you can use small pieces of celery instead. For those, who like the flavor that fennel brings in to the food, anise or licorice can be used as flavoring substitute.

Although fennel is an excellent remedy for a lot of ailments, fennel seeds side effects have also been seen. There are some people who may be allergic to the compounds contained in fennel. While the health benefits of fennel juice, for instance, are many, the juice itself can cause anaphylaxis in a person who is allergic to fennel seeds. When taken in abundance, estragole, a constituent of fennel extract, is known to be carcinogenic. If you do enjoy fennel, it is recommended that you use it sparingly and well under the recommended amounts as directed by FDA.